New lens patentsA new patent showing two lenses, the 135 f/2.8 and 180 f/3.5 has appeared. The interesting part of these patents is something called a apodization filter on the lenses. This improves the bokeh performance of the lenses.

EF 135 f/2.8

Could either of these lens patents translate into a new 135 f/2L or 180 f/3.5L Macro? Only time will tell.

Read more after the break…

Patent Publication No. 2012-128151

2012.7.5 Release Date

2010.12.15 filing date

Example 1

137.2mm – f = 135.0 focal length

Fno 2.83 -. 3.90

9.1 deg half each painting.

Image height 21.60mm

186.7mm – 150.0 full-length lens

BF 47.4 – 80.7mm

Lens Construction 10 elements in 7 groups sheet

1 UD glass sheet

0.25 times the maximum magnification ratio

Example 6

179.1mm – f = 180.0 focal length

Fno 3.50 -. 4.00

6.9 deg half each painting.

Image height 21.60mm

218.0mm – 199.8 full-length lens

BF 70.0 – 89.8mm

Lens Construction 11 elements in 7 groups sheet

1 UD glass sheet

0.11 times the maximum magnification ratio

Appearance of (Bokeh) is important out of focus

Apodization filter

The periphery of the filter transmittance is reduced

Added to the luminous flux intensity distribution

Bokeh is beautiful and the outline of the

Apodization element variable

If the liquid of same refractive index as the shape of the interface, no variation occurs in aberration

To be the same refractive power of the two liquids, the Abbe number is difficult

Canon ‘s patented

Variable element shape

Voltage is applied, changing the shape of the interface

Obtain the effect of apodization

Varying refractive power, the Abbe number

To reduce the time variable aberrations of shape

By a twist of the material performed, to optimize the absorption coefficient, to suppress the generation of aberration to moderate the curvature of the interface

To reverse the two materials (such as liquid), the amount of chromatic aberration, do the negation

Suppress the two materials (such as liquid), refractive index, the difference between the Abbe number

Look up the Sony 135 STF if you want an idea of what it could do to the bokeh.

I can never read patent speak well. The impression I get is that in this case is, unlike the Sony, the filter can be turned on or off as needed. In the Sony, the filter is fixed and the lens is manual focus only as the fixed filter does not allow the phase information through. If the filter can be turned on and off at will, you can still allow AF.

I don't see this as a 135SF replacement since the effect and usage is more different. At a stretch it could be a 135L replacement, if bokeh quality is the priority, but I think it is different enough for both to exist side by side.

Really hope this means that a new 135mm f2 L comes out, I have been dying to get one but can't afford it, hopefully they will come out with a new one and I can pick up an old one on ebay on the cheap!

The new one will cost at least double. So you will be lucky if you find the original one used for the price that costs now new... (You only have to see what happened to 24-70 f/2.8L, 300 2.8L IS, 400 2.8L IS, 500 4L IS, 600 4L IS)

The main thrust of the patent is the variable Apodization filter, and it will be expensive. A different translation of the patent:Especially the present invention is using the shape variable element which made variable form of the interface which two different media form about an optical system, and it is related with the imaging optical system which makes it possible to control the light volume of the light flux which passes an optical system. The technique of making the apodization effect variable is disclosed by the Patent document 2. In the Patent document 2, by transmissivity's differing, and arranging two kinds of mutually unmixed liquids in a closed space via the interface of an approximate sphere surface, and controlling the output of impressed electromotive force, liquid interface shape is changed and the optical element which made the apodization effect variable is proposed.

There is a ton of very technical calculations in the patent, and it gives me a feeling that it is not something that will be cost effective to build and sell for a acceptable price.I really don't expect to see one on the market.